Matt Lauer has apparently changed his inner circle tremendously since his firing at the Today show six years ago.
A source exclusively tells PEOPLE the former morning show anchor, 65, has “drastically changed his social circle and iced out many old friends, even people who stuck by him after the Today show.”
The insider adds that Lauer is now living “a fairly good life” but “it’s nothing at all like what it was” before he was fired from his anchor position.
“It’s a very quiet lifestyle, but he has nothing to complain about,” the source shares. “He is dating, he’s close with his kids. He still held on to the huge horse farm he shared with [ex-wife] Annette [Roque] on Long Island and they manage it together. They’ve navigated that fairly well.”
Lauer sold his home in the Hamptons last year as confirmed by PEOPLE.
“He sold his house in the Hamptons because he wants to spend more time at his place in New Zealand,” the second source tells PEOPLE of Lauer’s farm property in New Zealand. “He feels peace there, loves it, loves the people, and it’s good for his productivity level.
According to the report, the former anchor is “still going strong” with girlfriend Shamin Abas, who he began dating back in 2019.
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A fourth source tells PEOPLE that the couple try to keep their relationship as private as possible, noting, “Matt still gets trash talked and he doesn’t want to give people any added options for it, so he and Shamin keep a very low profile.”
“They are still seriously dating and get along well. She has her own life away from him with her international PR and events firm, and her horse,” the source adds. “She has taken up competitive jumping and loves it. Her friends are impressed with her athletic ability.”
Abas “loves her life in the Hamptons, her horse and her new passion for jumping and competing,” according to the insider.
However, the source went on to say ” “I don’t know if marriage is in the cards any time soon, but they have a good relationship.”
Sources went on to claim that the couple visited New Zealand together in 2020 and will most likely make more visits together in the future. However, Abas plans to stay in the Hamptons over the holidays is unlikely to move there permanently.
“She has a full life in the U.S. and is busy with her clients, and her horse and other pets,” a fifth source says. “I would be surprised if she would ever leave any of this permanently. Visits to New Zealand are one thing, but a permanent move doesn’t make sense.”
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Lauer has been spending much time with his children as possible these days – Thijs, 17, and Jack, 22, alongside daughter Romy, 20, said a six source to PEOPLE.
“Matt has a healthy and loving relationship with his kids and has been a good dad,” the insider shares.
Additionally, Lauer has friend Bryant Gumbel in his corner. The same source explains, “Matt loves Bryant and vice versa and their long time friendship has really helped Matt through all of the issues he has faced in the last few years.”
“Matt has some projects he is working on, and Bryant has been encouraging and inspirational for him,” the insider adds. “They talk regularly.”
